High quality early learning is a targeted investment that reaps huge returns: proven outcomes in school and in life. Every child deserves the opportunity for a great start. Pass the Early Start Act with culturally relevant care provisions and funding needed to close the opportunity gap.

The bipartisan Early Start Act (HB 1491/SB 5452)

Sponsored by Rep. Ruth Kagi (D-Seattle) and Sen. Steve Litzow (R-Mercer Island), the Early Start Act aims to expand access to high quality early learning, particularly for children furthest from opportunity.

Washington ranks 41st out of 50 states in reaching low-income students with nutritious school breakfasts. Without a healthy breakfast, a student’s chance of success is drastically reduced.

The good news is there’s a solution: Breakfast After the Bell incorporates the most important meal into the school day – just like lunch!

Serving breakfast in the cafeteria before the school day starts presents many obstacles for kids and families. Bus and carpool schedules, social stigma, and peer pressure prevent kids from eating school breakfast at that time.

Washington’s success depends on great educational outcomes for all children.

But one in 5 Washington children lives in a household that doesn’t have enough food to get by. It's hard to learn when you are hungry. That’s why more than one million Washingtonians receive federal food stamp benefits, and approximately 15,600 legally residing immigrants use State Food Assistance (SFA).